Hadith #10808

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of friendship and the subsequent obligation of mutual cooperation and support. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (wudd) "ود" in Arabic refers to a deep and sincere friendship, characterized by love, trust, and loyalty. It goes beyond mere acquaintanceship and superficial relationships. This type of friendship is rooted in the heart and is built upon genuine care and concern for one another. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages Muslims to establish such friendships in the Quran, as He says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10):

The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy.

Once this deep friendship is established, the Hadith states that (tarafud) "تَرَافُد" and (ta'adud) "تَعَاضُد" become necessary. (tarafud) "تَرَافُد" refers to mutual cooperation, where friends actively work together to achieve common goals. This cooperation is not limited to any specific area but encompasses all aspects of life, including religious, social, and personal matters. It is a manifestation of the unity and strength that can be achieved when individuals come together for a shared purpose.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of cooperation and working together in several verses. In Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:2), Allah says:

And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.

This verse highlights the necessity of cooperating in acts of righteousness and goodness, while refraining from assisting in wrongdoing or transgression. It is through mutual cooperation that Muslims can effectively fulfill their duties and responsibilities towards one another and society as a whole.

The second aspect mentioned in the Hadith is (ta'adud) "تَعَاضُد", which refers to mutual support. This support entails being there for one another in times of need, providing assistance, and offering comfort and encouragement. It is a reflection of the strong bond and compassion that exists between true friends. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Balad (90:17-18):

Then he should be grateful for My favor when I have perfected him. And he should say, 'Sufficient for me is Allah; there is no deity except Him. On Him I rely, and He is the Lord of the Great Throne.'

When friends support and uplift each other, they create an environment of positivity and growth. They become a source of strength and motivation for one another, enabling each individual to overcome challenges and reach their full potential. This support is not limited to material assistance but extends to emotional, spiritual, and intellectual support as well.

The consequences of establishing such deep friendships and fulfilling the obligations of cooperation and support are manifold. Firstly, it strengthens the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood within the Muslim community, fostering unity and harmony. This unity is essential for the progress and prosperity of the ummah as a whole. Secondly, it creates a sense of security and belonging, as individuals know they have reliable companions to lean on during difficult times. This sense of belonging is crucial for the overall well-being and mental health of individuals. Lastly, it enables Muslims to collectively work towards the betterment of society, as they pool their resources, skills, and knowledge for the greater good.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of cultivating deep and sincere friendships within the Muslim community. These friendships should go beyond superficial interactions and be rooted in love, trust, and loyalty. Once established, it becomes our duty to actively cooperate and support one another, working together towards common goals and providing assistance when needed. By doing so, we strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, create a sense of security and belonging, and contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to establish and maintain such deep and sincere friendships, and may He bless us with the strength and willingness to fulfill our obligations of cooperation and support.